Fasting has been growing in popularity over the last few decades. This is no surprise considering that there have been several studies that link fasting to longevity. New studies have shown that fasting can reduce risk factors for many serious health issues. Additionally, new research has suggested that people diagnosed with cancer can also benefit from fasting, particularly while undergoing treatment. Let’s find out more about what the science has to say about fasting and cancer.
What Is Fasting?
Intermittent fasting involves alternating between periods of abstaining from food and eating. For example, you might eat normally for a few days and then eat very little on other days. Research has shown that fasting for a few hours every day or consuming only a single meal for a couple of days weekly is associated with several health benefits. Our bodies actually evolved to be able to survive extended periods without food. However, nowadays there is an abundance of food and much of it is very unhealthy. Even 50 years ago it was much easier to maintain a healthy weight. Our modern lifestyles have resulted in an increased risk of developing heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. However, research has revealed that intermittent fasting may actually help prevent and reverse such conditions.
How Fasting Works
When you haven’t eaten for a few hours, your body burns up all its sugar stores and begins to start burning fat. This process is known as metabolic switching. Since cancer cells require a much higher glucose uptake, they suffer when there is a shortage. While normal cells can make the metabolic switch, cancer cells are unable to do the same. Many Americans eat throughout the day, snack in between meals, and get very little exercise. This means that every time they eat, their bodies are running on these calories instead of burning up their fat reserves. Intermittent fasting helps by extending the time after your last meal when your body has used up the available calories and starts tapping into stored fat for energy. However, losing weight is not the only benefit of intermittent fasting. It also has the potential to help fight against cancer.
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Fasting’s Impact on Cancer
According to animal studies and several preliminary human trials, fasting has been linked to a decrease in cancer risk and growth in cancer cells. According to these studies, this can be linked to a decrease in blood glucose production and balanced nutritional intake. Stem cells were also triggered to regenerate the immune system and there was an increase in tumor-killing cells. One study involving mice revealed that fasting reversed the progression of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Seeing that one of the major cancer risk factors is obesity, fasting has the ability to support cancer treatments. Another mouse study showed a reduction in cancer incidences resulting from a bimonthly fast-mimicking diet. A pilot trial involving 19 human subjects similarly revealed promising results, with a notable decrease in risk factors and biomarkers.
Further Studies on Fasting
A study published in 2016 revealed that a combination of chemotherapy and fasting helped slow down the progression of skin and breast cancers. This kind of treatment resulted in the body producing higher amounts of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and common lymphoid progenitor cells. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that have the ability to enter and kill tumors. The study also revealed that fasting promoted stem cell production and made cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy. However, the healthy cells are not harmed in the process. During a fast healthy cells will lay dormant. However, cancer cells struggle to survive without being nourished.
The Bottom Line On Fasting
People diagnosed with cancer are constantly searching for ways to gain more control over the condition. Luckily, more and more research is pointing to a controlled diet as a way of doing so. However, you should always first check with your doctor before switching to an intermittent fasting diet. People who should not fast include children under 18 years of age, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people who take insulin. It’s also not advised for any people who have previously battled with any kind of eating disorder. However, if it’s considered a safe option for you, it can provide an array of health benefits. However, fasting will affect everyone differently, so discontinue the diet if you experience constant nausea, headaches, or anxiety.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.
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